Bermuda grass is a warm-season turf variety widely chosen across Georgia for its resilience to heat and drought. Seeding is an economical strategy for establishing a new lawn or repairing damaged turf without the higher expense of sod installation. Successfully establishing this grass requires precise timing and dedicated preparation due to the specific conditions needed for seed germination.
Identifying the Ideal Planting Time
The success of a Bermuda grass lawn hinges on planting when the soil temperature, not the air temperature, is consistently warm. Bermuda grass seeds require the soil to maintain a temperature between 65°F and 70°F for optimal germination. This range ensures the seeds awaken from dormancy and begin sprouting efficiently.
In Georgia, this ideal window typically opens in late spring and extends through mid-summer, spanning from May through July. Planting during this time allows the young grass to benefit from the long, hot days that fuel its rapid growth cycle. Wait until after the final threat of frost has passed to begin the process.
Planting too early, when the soil is still cool, results in slow, patchy germination and leaves seedlings vulnerable to late-season weather shifts. Seeding too late, particularly after mid-July, does not allow sufficient time for the grass to establish a deep root system. Young, unestablished seedlings are susceptible to damage when the weather cools and the grass enters winter dormancy.
Necessary Steps for Soil Preparation
Proper soil preparation is foundational and begins with eliminating existing weeds and unwanted vegetation before seeding. Existing weeds or grass should be killed and removed to prevent competition for moisture and nutrients. Pay attention to the label instructions for any herbicides used, as many require a waiting period before seeding can safely occur.
A soil test is recommended to determine the existing pH level and nutrient profile. Bermuda grass thrives best in a slightly acidic to neutral soil environment, maintaining a pH level between 5.8 and 7.0. If the test indicates the soil is too acidic, amendments like lime can be incorporated to raise the pH to the preferred range.
The soil must be loosened to allow for proper root penetration and water absorption, often requiring tilling or core aeration. Tilling the top four to six inches of soil breaks up compaction and improves the soil structure. Following tilling, the area should be raked smooth to create a level seedbed, removing any large clumps or debris.
A high-phosphorus starter fertilizer, which supports vigorous root development, should be incorporated into the top few inches of the prepared soil just before seeding. This placement ensures emerging seedlings have immediate access to nutrients. Lightly rolling the surface after smoothing helps achieve good seed-to-soil contact, which is necessary for successful germination.
Initial Care for Seedling Establishment
After the seeds are distributed and lightly covered with soil or topdressing, maintaining consistent moisture is the most significant factor. New Bermuda grass seeds must be kept continually damp, requiring frequent, light watering multiple times a day during the two-to-three-week germination period. The goal is to keep the top quarter-inch of soil moist without causing runoff or pooling.
Once the seedlings have visibly emerged and grown to about an inch tall, transition the watering schedule to less frequent, deeper applications. This encourages the roots to grow downward in search of moisture, establishing a robust foundation that improves the grass’s drought tolerance.
The starter fertilizer provides the initial burst of nutrients, but the young lawn needs a follow-up feeding. A second application of fertilizer, typically a lower-phosphorus, slow-release maintenance product, should be applied approximately four to eight weeks after germination. This timing supports the ongoing leaf and shoot growth phase.
The first mowing should not occur until the new seedlings have reached a height of about two inches. Ensure the blades are sharp and remove no more than one-third of the grass height during the cut. Mowing too early risks pulling the delicate seedlings out of the ground, disrupting establishment.